Sr. Accounting Manager

Goodwin Recruiting; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Sr. Accounting Manager for an engineering consulting firm in Northern Virginia. You will lead accounting operations, oversee financial reporting and controls, and partner with executives on strategic financial planning.

The role may offer advancement toward a Chief Financial Officer track. The ideal candidate brings substantial project-driven accounting experience, proficient revenue recognition, and strong leadership capabilities to optimize profitability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Previous experience as an Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or Controller.
• Accounting leadership experience within an engineering consulting firm is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, revenue recognition, percentage-of-completion methods, and time-and-materials billing.
• Experience coordinating financial reviews or audits and managing complex reporting requirements.
• Understanding of LLC tax considerations.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• CPA designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, project accounting, and client billing.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and analyze business performance.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial planning.
• Monitor project profitability, staff utilization, overhead rates, and key performance indicators.
• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and reporting across multiple business entities.
• Coordinate with external accountants on financial reviews, tax filings, compliance, and FAR Part 31 overhead audits.
• Manage banking relationships and support executive decisions on business strategy and growth.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff.
• Improve financial systems, reporting tools, and accounting processes.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Communication

Project accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Deltek Vision

Unanet A/E

Excel

Job description

Sr. Accounting Manager – Engineering Consulting Firm

Location: Northern Virginia

Salary: $125,000–$170,000; higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications and experience

An established engineering consulting firm is seeking a Sr. Accounting Manager to lead accounting operations and partner with executive leadership on financial strategy. This position carries responsibility for the firm’s accounting function, financial reporting, and financial controls, with potential advancement into a Chief Financial Officer role.

The ideal candidate understands project-driven operations, professional services billing, and the financial measures that support a successful engineering business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, project accounting, and client billing.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and analyze business performance.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial planning.
• Monitor project profitability, staff utilization, overhead rates, and key performance indicators.
• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and reporting across multiple business entities.
• Coordinate with external accountants on financial reviews, tax filings, compliance, and FAR Part 31 overhead audits.
• Manage banking relationships and support executive decisions on business strategy and growth.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff.
• Improve financial systems, reporting tools, and accounting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Previous experience as an Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or Controller.
• Accounting leadership experience within an engineering consulting firm is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, revenue recognition, percentage-of-completion methods, and time-and-materials billing.
• Experience coordinating financial reviews or audits and managing complex reporting requirements.
• Understanding of LLC tax considerations.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• CPA designation preferred.

Technology Experience

• Familiarity with Deltek Vision, Unanet A/E, or comparable professional services accounting systems.
• Advanced Excel skills, including lookup functions and pivot tables.
• Experience with financial system conversions, automation, or process improvements is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, and continuing education reimbursement.

Join a collaborative engineering firm where your expertise will influence business performance, support strategic decisions, and create opportunities for long-term career advancement.